International pain academy to foster research, education

Las Vegas-Industry leaders just formed the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) to increase awareness, recognition and treatment of animal pain by educating students, veterinarians and hospital staff members.

The international association was born from a collaboration between three veterinary schools - University of Tennessee, Colorado State University and University of Illinois - and representatives from Pfizer's Pain Management Team.

Dr. Charles Short, emeritus professor of anesthesiology and pain management Cornell University's veterinary college, says, "The growing interest in appropriately managing animal pain is very encouraging. Pain relief is a common reason pet owners seek veterinary care and more and more clinicians are recognizing the importance of awareness, education and research in this critical aspect of veterinary practice."

According to incoming IVAPM president Dr. Robin Downing, the goals of the association are to foster education for veterinarians and technicians, and promote pain management protocols for practitioners.

The group says that several organizations and industry groups have helped in the development of the organization, which organizers hope will be the first step toward advanced credentialing or board certification in pain management.

Dr. J. Michael McFarland, director of sedation and pain management for Pfizer Animal Health, says, "Improving our understanding and execution of sedation and pain management for our patients will take the combined efforts of practitioners, academicians, organized veterinary medicine and industry."

The group says that benefits for membership and participation include: establishing and raising standards of care in the arena of pain management, ethical and practical debate with people from a variety of backgrounds on the subject of animal pain and its management, access to information/research/data that reflects the most updated recommendations.